Definitions for French Revolution

Here are all the possible meanings and translations of the word French Revolution.

Princeton's WordNet(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

French Revolution(noun)

the revolution in France against the Bourbons; 1789-1799

Wiktionary(3.50 / 2 votes)Rate this definition:

French Revolution(ProperNoun)

A period in France of radical social and political upheaval which saw the country change from a monarchy to a democratic republic (1789-1799).

Freebase(3.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

French Revolution

The French Revolution, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France that had a lasting impact on French history and more broadly throughout Europe. The absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed within three years. French society underwent an epic transformation, as feudal, aristocratic and religious privileges evaporated under a sustained assault from radical left-wing political groups, masses on the streets, and peasants in the countryside. Old ideas about tradition and hierarchy regarding monarchs, aristocrats, and the Catholic Church were abruptly overthrown by new principles of Liberté, égalité, fraternité. The royal houses across Europe were horrified and led a countercrusade that by 1814 had restored the old monarchy, but many major reforms became permanent. So too did antagonisms between the supporters and enemies of the Revolution, who fought it out politically over the next two centuries.
Amidst a fiscal crisis, the common people of France were increasingly angered by the incompetency of King Louis XVI and the continued indifference and decadence of the aristocracy. This resentment, coupled with burgeoning Enlightenment ideals, fueled radical sentiments, and the French Revolution began in 1789 with the convocation of the Estates-General in May. The first year of the Revolution saw members of the Third Estate proclaiming the Tennis Court Oath in June, the assault on the Bastille in July, the passage of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen in August, and an epic march on Versailles that forced the royal court back to Paris in October. The next few years were dominated by struggles between various liberal assemblies and a right wing of supporters of the monarchy intent on thwarting major reforms.

The Nuttall Encyclopedia(1.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

French Revolution

according to Carlyle "the open violent revolt, and victory, of disimprisoned Anarchy against corrupt, worn-out Authority, the crowning Phenomenon of our Modern Time," but for which, he once protested to Mr. Froude, he would not have known what to make of this world at all; it was a sign to him that the God of judgment still sat sovereign at the heart of it.

U.S. National Library of Medicine(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

French Revolution

Conflict during which traditional monarchy was ended and modern government functions were instituted.

Numerology

Chaldean Numerology

The numerical value of French Revolution in Chaldean Numerology is: 2

Pythagorean Numerology

The numerical value of French Revolution in Pythagorean Numerology is: 7

Sample Sentences & Example Usage

The consequences of things are not always proportionate to the apparent magnitude of those events that have produced them. Thus the American Revolution, from which little was expected, produced much; but the French Revolution, from which much was expected, produced little.

It was not reason that besieged Troy; it was not reason that sent forth the Saracen from the desert to conquer the world; that inspired the crusades; that instituted the monastic orders; it was not reason that produced the Jesuits; above all, it was not reason that created the French Revolution. Man is only great when he acts from the passions; never irresistible but when he appeals to the imagination.